01
A frame, not a script
The rules name Best Film, Best Director and Special Mention. The jury may follow that structure, or it may not. In 2022 they awarded none of those places, and created an Extraordinary Award instead.
Awards
Awards
The rules name Best Film, Best Director and Special Mention, but the jury may rewrite that structure. In 2022 they created an Extraordinary Award. In 2025 they voted as the rules described, and a Career Achievement Award was presented outside the competition.
How we think about awards
02
The committee pays
There is no entry fee. Prize money and trophies come from the executive committee, in the amount announced that year. How a team divides the money is their own decision.
03
The process is the record
Nominations, disagreements and reservations are published. Selected filmmakers leave with more than a certificate: they leave with a record of what the jury actually argued about.
2025
2025 · 2nd Edition
Award structure
Best Film
One award · trophy and prize money
Best Director (Extraordinary Award)
One award · trophy and prize money
Special Mention
Added at the jury’s discretion
- The preliminary committee shortlists around fifteen films for the final round, and the jury decides the awards by discussion and vote.
- A representative of each selected film is invited to the ceremony, with travel and accommodation covered by the executive committee.
- Selected films may be invited to the Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema and the Brussels Millenium Documentary Film Festival.
- Winners receive the prize money attached to their award, in the amount announced at the ceremony. How a team divides it is their own decision.
Past laureates
The Homeless地衣
The Third Child第三个孩子
Bitter Rice一座桃花洞
Girl of Wind吹梦无踪
2022
2022 · 1st Edition
Award structure
Best Film
One award · RMB 30,000 and prizes
Jury Prize
One award · RMB 20,000 and prizes
Special Mention
Added at the jury’s discretion
- The preliminary committee put forward no fewer than twelve nominated films for the final round.
- In the event the jury chose not to award those places, creating instead an Extraordinary Award for three documentary authors of singular independence and creative force.
- The executive committee returned the jury’s notes to the nominated directors and published the deliberations in text and on video.
Past laureates
Honorary awards
2025
Career Achievement Award
Presented in Shitang by Eleni Vlassi, founder and artistic director of the Greek documentary festival.
Take part
Send a film, or write first
The 3rd edition has not opened yet. The rules and the submissions address are on the Submit page; screenings, partnerships and press go through Contact.